Oh Yay Spiders!

ID: WMA2026_606

Track: Other

Balance preservation and aesthetics by learning the essentials of professional mountmaking in this hands-on workshop. We will explore the fabrication of brass spider mounts and mountmaking processes while providing participants the opportunity to form a custom coin mount; participants should bring a coin (max 2” diameter). The session will culminate in a collaborative “pop-up” exhibit, where the group will design and install a creative display.

Session Information

Format: Half-day workshop (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

Fee: $25

Uniqueness: This workshop bridges the gap between exhibition concept and technical execution through hands-on mount fitting and collaborative group installation.

Objectives: Attendees will gain a basic understanding of the mountmaking process, from templating to fitting to painting then finally, to installation. They will demonstrate the fundamentals of mountmaking by completing three of the stages (fitting, painting, installing). They will learn how to evaluate artifact stability, and be able identify and select appropriate materials to best support the artifact, ensuring long-term preservation. Through the pop-up exhibition exercise, participants will apply spatial design considerations and installation techniques, gaining technical confidence.

Engagement: While there will be a brief presentation describing the mountmaking process, this is a hands-on, collaborative workshop. Attendees will use basic hand tools to form a pre-fabricated brass spider mount to a coin of their choosing. As a group, we will then discuss various display considerations and use those considerations to design and install a pop-up display. The tools and brass mounts will be provided by UHS.

Relationship to Theme:

Audience

Audiences: Curators/Scientists/Historians Other 

Professional Level: All levels 

Scalability: All institutions can benefit from its staff learning mountmaking skills. Brass spider mounts are versatile and adaptable to various objects of sizes and shapes. Institutions that have the ability to fabricate mounts in-house, rather than outsourcing, save on costs. Participants will learn about different materials and be able to make educated choices on which kind of mount best supports the artifacts.

Participants